Check for the RPO code in the glovebox.

 

Hmmm....

What exactly is Z71 package?

 

did you buy it new? If not someone could have discarded it after performing some kind of service. Also anybody can purchase decals of any shape and size and stick them on to make something look like something its not. I would run the VIN, but yes your right, typically Z71= gas shocks and skid plates.

 

I bought it used, 147k mles. I guess I didnt think to look at that. I'll check the VIN when I get home tonight.

 

My Z71 has a skid plate but I dont have to remove it to change the oil, the drain plug and filter are behind the skid plate.

 

There was also a Z71 appearance package that is different from the Z71 suspension and skid plate package.

 

My Z71 has a skid plate but I dont have to remove it to change the oil, the drain plug and filter are behind the skid plate.

OP said he was doing diff fluid. Has to be removed to do that.

 

Z71 "OFF ROAD" CHASSIS PACKAGE 'OFF ROAD' CHAS PKG(Z71)

You mean you don't see Z71 as one of the codes on the sticker in the glove box? Well, I guess it's entirely possible the stickers are aftermarket?

Directly from the chevrolet website :

The available Z71 Off-Road Package includes:

•Z71 Off-Road suspension
•46mm twin-tube high-pressure gas-charged shocks
•Skid Plate Package with a frame-mounted shield
•GM segment-exclusive automatic locking rear differential that provides added grip when you need it
•Available Z71 Appearance Package: 18" aluminum wheels, body-color mirrors and door handles, body-color grille with chrome insert, and Rancho® shocks

 

There definately is no skid plate under the front diff.

 

It's possible that someone boogered that skid plate up pretty good and didn't replace it, but pretty much all 4x4 Chevys come with skid plates to protect the front end, so even if it wasn't a Z71 it doesn't mean that it shouldn't have a skid plate there. I dented mine up on my 05 1500 4x4 pretty bad after getting high centered on a stump and it takes some doing to get the plate lined up and bolted back in place every time I'm under there. It's possible the same thing occurred with yours and someone just decided to toss the old plate or some wrench monkey at the dealership or local shop forgot to put it back on when doing service on the front diff, or the bolts could have stripped out. I'd have a look at your RPO first and see what is included, and then climb under there and look for the 4 bolt holes for the skid plate. If you got those, getting a bolt on metal plate should be pretty easy.

 

OP's truck is a 2008; I believe those had a plastic splash shield under the front and not a true skid plate.

 

ive got an 06 that came right from the factory with the z71 package and its on the rpo code and doenst have z71 stickers on the box.

 

^^ Did you buy your 2006 new?

 

yes I did

 

You must have the only z71 that didn't come with decals that weren't requested to be removed.

 

don't know but they sure weren't there. I didn't know I even had bought a z71 until I noticed the shocks and then looked under and saw the skid plates. Its then I checked the glove box sticker and found out that it was a z71. Never bothered me that they weren't there. I could care less if someone else knows I have a z71. Cant even say how much it helps because all three of my more recent chevs have been z71s. Maybe they were applied crocked and the dealer took them off. I don't know. but they sure weren't there

 

Well, unfortunately I use my truck more as a car than a truck most of the time. I tow my boat and sleds also. Just wondering if I should worry about the skid plate or not. Probably doesnt matter in my case.

 

If you're truck doesn't see off road I wouldn't worry about the skid plate.

 

don't know but they sure weren't there. I didn't know I even had bought a z71 until I noticed the shocks and then looked under and saw the skid plates. Its then I checked the glove box sticker and found out that it was a z71. Never bothered me that they weren't there. I could care less if someone else knows I have a z71. Cant even say how much it helps because all three of my more recent chevs have been z71s. Maybe they were applied crocked and the dealer took them off. I don't know. but they sure weren't there

The reason I find it odd that your truck doesn't have the decals is because the main reason for the z71 package is for marketing purposes. Sure it comes with skid plates and different shocks but GM knows that a lot of people buy it so they can say they have an off-road truck.

 

don't know but it is a z71 and I bought it right off the lot without the z71 stickers. It didn't have 4x4 sticker either. No stickers what so ever. I guess its possible someone ordered it like that and the deal fell through. I side swiped a tree in the woods about 5 years ago with it and when they replaced the back driver side fender I had them put the z71 stickers on it. I don't know why though. Probably because they were free.

 

Free?? Last body work I had done the shop charged me 25 bucks each to replace my old 4x4 stickers. I was astonished that 2 pieces of 5x5 vinyl would total to 50 bucks, but I've got the paperwork in the glovebox to prove it.

 

deductible was met so the insurance company paid for them

Free?? Last body work I had done the shop charged me 25 bucks each to replace my old 4x4 stickers. I was astonished that 2 pieces of 5x5 vinyl would total to 50 bucks, but I've got the paperwork in the glovebox to prove it.